The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch

This trip was four years in the making for my best friend “Louise” and me (“Thelma”), and let me tell you—it was worth every second of the wait. The Hideout isn’t just a ranch; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience wrapped in the most breathtaking scenery Wyoming has to offer. From the moment we arrived, our casita felt like home—immaculately kept, warm, and with views so stunning we’d stop mid-sentence just to take them in. Mornings started with crisp mountain air and the promise of adventure, and every day delivered. Between leisurely dips in the heated pool, archery, and trap shooting (which we took to with much laughter), there was never a dull moment. The food deserves its own standing ovation. Chef Steve created gourmet meals that weren’t just delicious—they were tailored perfectly to my dietary restrictions without ever feeling like a compromise. Every plate was thoughtful, fresh, and artfully presented. The staff made us feel like family. Melanie in the office ran everything with a perfect blend of professionalism and warmth. Edward, our bartender and server, always kept us smiling, while Ellie made each meal feel special. The wranglers—Nina, Molly, Natalie, Caroline, Elizabeth, and Taylor—were patient, fun, and endlessly skilled, guiding us through some of the most beautiful rides I’ve ever taken. And then there was Horatio—the best horse I’ve ever met. Over the week, he learned my ways, tolerated my chatter, and if I looked away for even a second, would sneak a snack. I didn’t know it was possible to fall in love with a horse, but Horatio won my heart completely. The riding here is on another level—650,000 acres of trails, each one more breathtaking than the last. One day it’s red rock canyons, the next it’s alpine meadows or mountain lakes. You never ride the same trail twice, and you never stop being amazed. Evenings brought a peaceful kind of tired—the kind you get from fresh air, laughter, and a day well spent. We’d gather at the bar to swap stories, watch the day’s photos from the wranglers, or simply sit outside listening to the horses in the pasture under a sky full of stars. One of the best parts was connecting with fellow guests from Ireland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the Netherlands—people who started out as strangers but left as friends. The Hideout Ranch isn’t just a vacation—it’s a feeling, a connection, and a set of memories that will stay with me forever. From the staff’s genuine care to the quality of the horses, the scenery, and the hospitality, everything here is done with heart. To everyone at The Hideout: thank you for making our Thelma & Louise dream trip even better than we imagined. Horatio, I’ll see you again someday—save me a snack.

We absolutely loved our stay at The Hideout. The staff were not only incredibly friendly, but genuinely fun to be around – nothing was ever too much trouble for them. The horses were absolutely beautiful – well trained, gentle, and a joy to ride. Riding an American Mustang is something I'll never forget! Whether you’re experienced or a complete beginner, you’ll feel confident and cared for. My partner had very little riding experience before we arrived at The Hideout and the team matched him with the perfect horse for him to enjoy. Every ride was a new adventure and the scenery was truly breathtaking. What made this trip even more special was that the team went above and beyond to help organise a secret engagement with my partner. Their kindness and excitement made an already magical moment even more meaningful. I honestly couldn’t have asked for more. I’ll be dreaming of this holiday for years to come. We hope to return soon. Thank you to the wonderful team at The Hideout, hopefully, we see you soon!

I had wanted to book a riding trip out west since I was a kid and researched so many different places online for years. The Hideout stood out for its fantastic reviews and after staying there for a week (end of May 2025 into June) I am happy to join the ranks of those online who have professed their love for this place. Everything about my stay felt too good to be true and was exactly what I was looking for. The accommodations were excellent, the food and drinks amazing and all made possible by the incredible staff. From the servers and chefs to the awesome wranglers, the whole team at the Hideout worked together to create such a phenomenal guest experience. The care taken to match riders with horses was something everyone my week appreciated and the stunning scenery we were taken through on our rides was breathtaking. It was by far one of the best vacations I have ever been on. It is clear Peter and Marijn take such care and pride in their business and really want each guest to enjoy what they have worked to create. I cannot say enough about how much I appreciated the wranglers and their efforts to show us the best views and make sure everyone had some nice photos to take home with them. I am already trying to plan when I can book a second trip. 10/10 recommend to anyone from beginner to advanced rider.

If one is looking to experience the true west, breathtaking landscapes, luxury amenities, become one with a horse, and meet great people that become family, then the Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch is the place to go. From the day you arrive, you will be welcomed and made to feel at home on the Ranch. Amazing memories and relationships will be made at the Hideout. About our experience: We flew into Billings, MT from the East Coast on Saturday April 19th. Upon arrival in Montana, we grabbed lunch, walked around downtown and then checked into a hotel on the outskirts of town for the night prior to traveling down to Shell, WY. The following morning, we grabbed breakfast in the hotel and then traveled down to Shell, WY. The trip took about 2 hours. It was a nice easy drive. Day 1 (Sunday) - Upon arrival, as we were admiring the beautiful property with the bighorn mountain range in the backdrop, one of the owners greeted us. Instantly, we got that warm welcoming feeling as Marijn showed us around discussing the upcoming week and history of the ranch. Once we got our stuff settled in our cabin, we met with Melanie to finish up our check-in, go over what to expect for the upcoming week and do some more exploring. Later that evening, all the guests met at the lodge in the upstairs bar/lounge area for a cocktail hour to get acquainted and what not prior to dinner. In addition, we were introduced to the kitchen staff and a few of the wranglers. There were people from all over the world and different walks of life visiting! After cocktail hour, everyone gathered downstairs in the dining area for a warm delicious dinner. Day 2 (Monday) - After a delicious homemade family style breakfast, everyone met at the barn for orientation which latest about an hour. Once the orientation concluded, the advanced riders (level 3+) tested in the riding ring, and the beginner / less experienced went on an easy trail ride around the property with some wranglers. Everyone was matched with well trained horses to accommodate their abilities and stature. Along the ride, the wranglers were very personable and welcoming. They gave great advice and were always watching out for your safety. In addition to making sure the ride was going smoothly; they were also taking amazing action shots (photos) of everyone on the ride. Once the morning session concluded, everyone met at the lodge for another hearty meal. After lunch we relaxed a bit before our afternoon ride. The weather wasn’t looking promising, but the Wranglers decided to get us out to the trailhead and then make the final decision there. Luckily the weather held out and we were able to experience the beautiful, rugged terrain of the Five Fingers. Once back from the afternoon ride, it was time to relax, shower up and get ready for cocktail hour and dinner again. As like the previous night, everyone would meet upstairs for some delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks, talk about the day, admire the photos take from the day on the flat screen and plan our the next day rides. It was at this time; I finalized the plan to propose to my Fiancée. With tomorrow being the best weather day of the week, I knew it was the right time. It would be on our morning ride. Day 3 (Tuesday) - That morning, we met at the barn and got our truck and wrangler assignments. Our lead wrangler for the morning session was Molly and we were going on the Sedona Ride. As we got the horses off the trailer, I pulled Molly aside and explained what my plan was and if she knew of a good location to propose. She mentioned she had the perfect spot and would signal me when we got there. About an 45min to a hour in after a steep incline, I knew this was going to be the spot overlooking the valley and mountains in the distance. I got the signal and there was no turning back. We dismounted our horses to go up and get some photos at the ridge edge and there it happened. While we were walking up, I noticed the other group was approaching to meet up. I thought, the more the merrier. No one knew what was going on, but the wrangler and me. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome to proposing to my Fiancée out in the beautiful mountain country. Not to mention, Molly got some amazing photos of the event. Truly was perfect. Once back at the lodge, we had another tasty lunch before our afternoon session. The night before we signed up for trap shooting and archery as our afternoon session to finish the day. We had lots of fun and the wrangler Taylor was a great chaperone/instructor. That evening’s cocktail hour and dinner were extra special as the news had gotten around to all the other guests and staff and all the love came pouring in. Truly couldn’t have picked a better place to propose. Day 4 (Wednesday) – Just like the other days, we had a great breakfast and then went to our morning session. My Fiancée went on an Advanced ride and I stayed back at the riding ring for the horsemanship clinic. What a great experience that was very insightful and beneficial. Definitely something I would recommend for guest to partake in. To finish the day was like the others, great discussions, great memories, surrounded by great people. We were heading out the next morning as we did not stay the full week, but the number of memories that were made those 4 days were something for the books. What can we say, the property is beautiful. From the spacious intimate log cabin to the main lodge, past the hot tube, along the horse chute up to the barn, the Hideout is the perfect spot to experience the true west and get off the grid. We can’t wait to go back!!

The Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch Our amazing adventure out West from June 29th to July 5th, 2025, at The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch in Shell, Wyoming. Thank you to the owners (Peter & Marijn), Melanie (coordinator/Staff), and all the wranglers and staff. The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch - A truly unforgettable Western experience! The moment you arrive at The Hideout, you are enveloped in the spirit of the American West. Nestled amidst breathtaking natural beauty, the ranch offers an escape from the ordinary and a chance to reconnect with nature, allowing you to experience the authentic charm of a working ranch with its beautiful horses. The accommodations blend rustic charm with modern comfort, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere after a day of adventures. The cabins are well-maintained and offer a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're enjoying the serenity of a private cabin or the camaraderie of the main lodge, the lodging options are designed to enhance your ranch experience. The Hideout excels in providing a diverse range of horseback riding to cater to all interests and skill levels. Horseback riding is a central highlight, offering rides through scenic landscapes and the opportunity to connect with these magnificent animals. The experienced wranglers (Nina, Caroline, Molly, Amanda, Sarah, Taylor, Allie, and Elizabeth) ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, from beginners to experienced riders. The wranglers (Nina, Caroline, Molly, Amanda, Sarah, Taylor, Allie, and Elizabeth), thank you. Beyond horseback riding, the ranch offers a range of options for adventure and relaxation. Guests can participate in activities such as: ● Natural horsemanship clinics (Thank you, Marijn) ● Fishing, enjoying peaceful moments casting lines in tranquil waters. ● Archery and skeet shooting test your skills in these engaging activities. (Thank you, Taylor and Elizabeth) ● Relaxing by the pool or hot tub The culinary experience at Hideout is a delightful journey of flavors. Having meals together fosters a sense of community and provides an opportunity to share stories and experiences with fellow guests. Many ranches, like this one, prioritize fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring a delicious and memorable dining experience. Special dietary accommodations can often be made with advance notice. Staff (Edward, Ellie, and the chief), thank you! A hallmark of a genuinely great ranch experience is the warmth and attentiveness of the staff (Melanie). At The Hideout, the team goes above and beyond to make each guest feel welcome and cared for. From the wranglers who guide your rides to the chefs who prepare your meals, the dedicated staff play a vital role in creating a personalized and unforgettable stay. Many guests, as mentioned in online testimonials, rave about the friendly and knowledgeable staff who treat visitors like family. For those seeking an immersive and unforgettable experience in the heart of the American West, The Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch offers an unparalleled opportunity to create lasting memories. The stunning scenery, engaging activities, exceptional dining, and genuine hospitality combine to make this beautiful ranch a truly remarkable destination. Based on multiple glowing reviews, it's easy to see why this ranch is a favorite among travelers seeking an authentic Western adventure.